John Nelson Sprague

John Nelson Sprague was born November, 11th 1945 in Beaver Oklahoma. He was the fourth child of Nelson and Vena Sprague. Born on Veterans Day, it was only fitting that he served in the military. His service was in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.  

He was a lifetime resident of Beaver County. Growing up near Elmwood, he attended Garrett Grade School. John then entered Beaver High School where he graduated with the class of 1964. He participated in FFA and showed steers. A low point was when one of his show steers died of a heart attack. After high school he attended Okmulgee Vo-Tech for one semester. 

 His service in the Navy started on October 15, 1965 and was honorably discharged October 14th, 1969. He served on the USS Canopus which was commissioned in 1964. The Canopus was a Simon Lake-Class Submarine Tender. In civilian terms, they serviced submarines. They were the last to service the USS Scorpion. He rarely wrote home and after the USS Scorpion was sank it was several months before the Navy let him write home. This was long enough time span that his parents and siblings became quite concerned.  

After returning from the Navy, John had multiple jobs but took time to enjoy his nieces and nephews. He always had time to throw a football to anyone that could catch it. The story of how many nieces, nephews and neighbors he had stuffed into his Mustang one Halloween continues to grow. At last count it was 16.  

Maybe it was his military service, but whatever the motivation, he hosted the most memorable 4th of July picnics. Gathering wood, sometimes several days before so the pile was bonfire size. The wood was lit up many hours before the picnic so that it could burn down enough to cook hot dogs. Fireworks generally followed unless the pastures were too dry.  

John was many things but above all he was a Cowboy. He had his own working ranch near Elmwood. John’s day work helping round up and work cattle extended to many throughout the area.  

He had a fondness for hunting, especially deer and calling up coyotes. He went on several deer hunts in the area and in New Mexico. John also enjoyed coon hunting. That was definitely a hit with his nieces and nephews creating many lifetime memories for them. 

All of us have challenges that can be hard to overcome. John fought back over time, then became active helping others with their issues. More than one family member and several friends cried on his shoulder trying to fight their own way back.  

He served on and was a founding member of the Elmwood Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a storm spotter with the fire department.  

John was preceded in death by his parents. one sister, Beulah, one brother Herb and his stepson Boyd Jones.  

Survivors include: Mary, his wife of 51 years. A sister, Lavona Bell, of Artesia, New Mexico along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Elmwood Fire Department, 

Mountainview Cemetery (needing a fence), Beaver FFA or the Charity of your choice. Contributions may be dropped off with Alan Clark Funeral Home.  

Services will be at the Mountainview Cemetery at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, October 3rd. Last Call Rites will be given by the Guymon Fire Department.  

Bring your lawn chairs.